Blodsband is a Swedish black metal outfit with an extremely raw, roots aesthetic. Urminnen is their second released demo, following last year's Intolerans. I don't have much information beyond this, as the band's myspace is a little vague. I couldn't tell you if this was a full band or a one band bedroom project, but judging by the sound of the material, I might guess the later. The band is wisely offering the demo as a download through that page.The style of Blodsband is extremely harsh vocals, almost to the point of hissing, over blazing Scandinavian melodic black metal guitar riffs and dense but almost impenetrably obscure drumming...even the bass on this demo drowns out the drums. They hang at the very edge of your conscience. The band also drowns this in some piano elements that create a layer of grace to certain moments of atmosphere, such as the opening track "Arv" and the mid section of "Krigare". "Fädernesland" is a punishing and mesmerizing track, the vocals literally squelch out at you like a daemon on a late night radio show IN HELL. The pianos that open the fourth and final title track again exhibit the clash between grace and utmost fucking hostility, something this band is adept at.
Urminnen is really quite a good demo. Some might mourn the very low key drum programming, but it only adds to the charm. The guitar riffs are constant, melodic and full of sorrow and negativity, within an almost mystic, natural appeal. This is a noisy goddamn demo, reasonably original, and not for the faint of heart, but if you treasure grimness in all its forms then it's worth a listen, especially for free.
Verdict: Win [7.5/10]
http://www.myspace.com/blodsbandswe
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